Mazda’s new compact SUV to be named CX-5

Mazda announced today that its all-new compact crossover SUV, which is scheduled to launch in the UK in 2012, will be called the Mazda CX-5. The new CX-5 is based on Mazda MINAGI concept car, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year and will be shown at the New York International Auto Show that opens in a few days time (April 20, 2011).

The CX-5 is the first production model to incorporate Mazda’s new design theme, ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’, which originally debuted on the Mazda SHINARI concept car, as well as the full range of Mazda’s innovative SKYACTIV technologies, including engines, transmissions, bodyshell design and chassis engineering.

The “CX” in CX-5 is Mazda’s official designation for its global line-up of crossover SUV vehicles, which also includes the Mazda CX-7 and Mazda CX-9 – depending on individual markets. The CX-5 becomes the Japanese brand’s first compact model in the series, competing with the likes of BMW’s X3 and Audi’s Q5.

In final production form, the Mazda CX-5 will make its international debut at this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show to be held in Germany in September – before going on sale in 2012.